Sorry, A Dental Cleaning Is Not Self-Care

As lovely a person my dental hygienist is, I don’t consider my cleanings as ‘me time.’

My dental hygienist told me that she’s heard from plenty of moms that going to the dentist is a welcome reprieve from the chaos at home. They look forward to the relaxation of reclining in a squishy seat and having an hour to themselves where no one is asking them for anything or hanging on them.

She said that sometimes they will joke that the patient should go relax for a little longer in the waiting room after their visit to get some more peace. Then the mom can say, “It took such a long time, they made me wait forever! Sorry I was gone for 2 hours…” 

For a mom, going to the dentist affords the rare time when you have no choice but to go on your own to a place that is not your house. It is a necessity to get a handle on your dental hygiene, your overall health depends on it!

No one will question you when you say you are going to get your teeth cleaned. There is no push back. You won’t hear, “Do you have to go? What will I feed the kids for dinner? Will you be back for bedtime? Didn’t you just go to the dentist? How much is this going to cost?”

It speaks volumes when moms are looking forward to dental and medical appointments as a break from their chaotic lives and a moment to themselves. I get it, I was there once when the kids were small.

It would be great if we could ensure that moms got a chance to look forward to actual relaxation time that didn’t include a health provider for necessary care and maintenance of our bodies. A massage at the spa, perhaps. A cup of coffee with a friend. Dinner or lunch out. A lousy pee without someone following you to the bathroom and crying outside the door or asking where their football gloves are.

If we prioritized time to recharge the way we prioritize dental cleanings, we might just be better for it. And it’s not just the rest of the family who makes it difficult to make this a priority. We do it to ourselves. We feel guilty if we make time for ourselves but then beat ourselves up for blowing up at the kids because we have no patience left when all we do is give to others. It’s a no win situation.

Here’s a nugget of truth: just like letting plaque build up leads to bigger problems, letting mom-guilt rob you of real self-care time only leads to burnout.

This is your wake up call. This is your chance to rewrite the rules for yourself. Start small - schedule one 30-minute coffee date with yourself this week. No dental implements required.

Because dental cleanings are not relaxation time. Sure, enjoy the peace when you go. But remember that there is a whole world out there waiting for you to enjoy it sans plaque removal.

Ready to create space for yourself beyond stolen moments in the dentist's chair? Let's connect! I'm here to help you design a life where self-care isn't an afterthought.